Officials from the Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and military personnel have clashed over the military’s attempt to close the busy Adeniji to Falomo Road.
At the time of this report, the standoff between both parties remains unresolved.
It was learned that the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Keisha, enlisted military assistance to enforce the road closure in order to rehabilitate certain sections.
A LASTMA official mentioned that it is standard practice for their superiors to be informed beforehand so that the Lagos Ministry of Transportation can notify the public and make an official announcement.
Omoyeni Oladele, a LASTMA official, told our correspondent, “If the road is closed without prior notice from the state to residents, motorists will face severe hardship.”
A senior officer at the Lagos Ministry of Works, who wished to remain anonymous to avoid appearing anti-Federal Government, told our correspondent that this is not the first time the Federal Controller of Works has “engaged the military to carry out her duties.”
He further stated, “We are aware of the current standoff between LASTMA officials and the Federal Ministry of Works over the rehabilitation of the Adeniji to Falomo Road. The conflict arose due to the attempt to close a section of the road without proper public notification.”
The official added, “LASTMA officials insist that the road cannot be closed without adequate notice to the public, while the Federal Ministry of Works, led by the controller, remains firm on the closure and has involved military personnel to enforce it.”
He noted that the standoff began at midnight, prompting LASTMA personnel to call for backup from the task force.
“The situation could have escalated into a physical confrontation if the military personnel had not shown restraint,” he said.
Attempts to reach the Federal Controller of Works, Mrs. Olukorede Keisha, were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or text messages.
When contacted, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Wale Musa, confirmed the incident and assured that the ministry was working towards a resolution.
“The General Manager of LASTMA has informed me of the situation. The Honourable Commissioner, the Special Adviser, and I are working to resolve the matter amicably,” Musa said.
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